City has double-standard, charges frustrated resident

Allen Blum of Graniteville is upset he was fined $100 by the Environmental Control Board for improper placement of his recyclables.

GRANITEVILLE -- Not only is Allen Blum upset that he was fined by the city for having his recyclables improperly arranged in front of his house, he’s ticked off that a city-owned property across the street is covered in trash.

Blum, a resident of Fieldstone Road in Graniteville for the past four years, was charged $100 on Sept. 23 last year.

The ticket stated that his recycled garbage could blow away.

Meanwhile, about 100 yards away a city Parks Department property is full of debris, he charges, ranging from bread covered in mold, wrappers, cups, bottles and more.

“All you have to do is take a look around to see what goes on around here,” said Blum, referring to the land on Graham Avenue.

The West Shore resident said neighbors routinely tidy the area, and have even cleaned up the Graham property in the past, “But it doesn’t pay anymore. We stopped because it just comes back,” he said.

No complaints have been filed with 311, according to the city’s interactive 311 map.

Blum tried challenging his fine in court, but lost. He went six months without paying until giving in and ponying up the cash to the city Department of Finance on March 7.

In addition to garbage, a catch basin that doesn’t line up with the street poses a danger to folks walking on Graham, added Blum.

“This is extremely hazardous,” said a frustrated Blum. “If a kid falls in there, that’s death. One day they’re going to be very sorry.”

Add a fallen tree and missing “No Dumping,” sign to his list of grievances.

He said during his time on the block, the area has never stayed clean for a consistent period of time.

Blum recommends that people stop littering; he believes it will set off a chain of events that will keep the area in good condition.

“It never changes. I’ve given up,” he said, staring at the molded pieces of bread near the Graham and Fieldstone intersection. “How disgusting.”